WARRIORS TO THE RESCUE 79drink and that the baby, reunited with its mother
and family, will be safe. But after 36 tense hours
it’s clear that this isn’t going to happen. The ele-
phant, swaddled in blankets, is lifted into the
vehicle and driven to the sanctuary.
Nestled within the crook of a half-moon-
shaped ridge, the Reteti elephant orphanage was
established in 2016 by local Samburus. Funding
has come from Conservation International, San
Diego Zoo Global, and Tusk UK. The Kenya Wild-
life Service and the Northern Rangelands Trust
provide ongoing support. The first rescued ele-
phant, named Suyian, arrived on September 25.
The sanctuary’s more than 20 elephant keep-
ers are Samburus, all intent on returning their
charges, under a dozen as of now, to the wild.
As soon as the weakened baby arrives, Sasha
Dorothy Lowuekuduk, who prepares elephant
food at Reteti, readies a half-gallon bottle of spe-
cial formula. Lolngojine, the sanctuary’s veteri-
nary technician, examines the calf and smears
anti biotic ointment on any cuts. It’s decided that
the elephant, a female, should be named Kinya,
after the well of her misfortune.
At Reteti heartbreak is a looming specter.
Like many calves who become separated from
their mothers, Kinya, whose rescue was so hard
won, didn’t make it. “It’s so sad that Kinya died,”
Lemo jong says. “We all worked hard to make sure
Kinya should get a second chance to live.” jNGM MAPS